Seven Love Letters
- IV -
[MIKU]
Rin hadn't stopped with the reminder texts.
I was walking to school, tuning in the birdsong that almost got drowned out in the chattering of other people and buzzing traffic. I watched the passing scenes of houses and trees that leaned up to kiss the sky, utility poles and rows of small birds that perched on the wires, almost forgetting I was in a city for a second. I lived in a neighborhood where there weren't any tall skyscrapers, which I liked. I could nearly imagine I was back in my old home.
As the other students swarmed past me in groups, all lively and bubbling with excitement as they surrounded their friends, I shuffled away to the side to let them pass.
I remembered Mikuo's words, repeated over and over again before I went out.
"Make some friends," he had suggested, with the same encouraging grin he always sported.
I only gave a meek smile back. "We'll see," I had mumbled. I knew I was never the popular type, the outgoing, talkative, fashionable, good-at-everything kind of person. I never hung around the "cool kids" either. Back at my old school, my two best friends were Rin and Len, and frankly, I was comfortable with that friendship. They were all I needed. I doubted I could make many new friends here soon. They already had their groups and cliques and crowds. It wasn't as easy to make new friends in high school as it was in grade school.
As the school came into view ahead and I checked the time on my phone to make sure I wasn't late—twelve minutes to spare, I saw as I exhaled in relief—I realized the screen had lit up repeatedly. Messages from my best friend popped up one by one. I rolled my eyes playfully and opened them up.
To: Miku
From: Rin
Subject: [no subject]
ARE YOU AT SCHOOL YET
·
To: Miku
From: Rin
Subject: [no subject]
DID YOU TALK TO HER TODAY
·
To: Miku
From: Rin
Subject: [no subject]
GIVE ME A PICTURE
·
To: Miku
From: Rin
Subject: [no subject]
ARE YOU AWAKE YET
·
To: Rin
From: Miku
Subject: Re: [no subject]
I'm still on the way to school.
You need to calm down! :p
·
To: Miku
From: Rin
Subject: Re: [no subject]
Darn, your school starts later than mine! Luckyyyyy.
I'm in history class right now. Teacher barely looks at us. I wouldn't even have my phone if it wasn't for that fact.
Get me a picture if you can? *bats eyelashes*
·
To: Rin
From: Miku
Subject: Re: [no subject]
Oh, so I guess I'll just randomly walk up to her and snap a picture.
Totally normal!
Anyway, I doubt I'll even see her today. I don't know if we have any classes together besides homeroom. Seeing my luck, probably not.
·
To: Miku
From: Rin
Subject: Re: [no subject]
Hey, a girl can dream!
And you don't know that for sure. I mean, who knows, maybe something will happen today ;)
·
To: Rin
From: Miku
Subject: Re: [no subject]
It's only the second day of school, I really don't think so…
Plus, can you not make such a big deal about this? I told you it's nothing.
·
To: Miku
From: Rin
Subject: Re: [no subject]
You're a teen girl and you've never had one crush. Don't you think that's bizarre?
Come onnnnnn, this is exciting! I just want to know what happens, kay?
·
To: Rin
From: Miku
Subject: Re: [no subject]
Siiigh…
Fine fine, I'll tell you, but I really don't think anything's going to happen.
The bell's gonna ring in a few minutes, I'm going to go now! See you!
Rin never ended up replying to that last message. Chances are the history teacher caught her.
I don't remember much from the morning of that second day. Rushing around in the vacant hallways as the bell rang, indicating the start of class, I was frantically searching for the right classrooms. Dropping textbooks, panicking and flustered, I knew I wasn't off to a good start. Forget anything Rin said, I could barely get to the right classes.
"Math… Room 132…" I mumbled to myself, knowing I was already several minutes late to the last class of that day, trying my best to read the time table and school map given to us. I swung around the corridor and hesitantly approached a door, looking at the plastic sign above the doors.
Is this it?
I twisted the silver knob, poked my head inside and was about to walk in. More than two dozen heads with goggles and students in white lab coats turned towards me and I quickly felt my face grow hot.
"May I help you?" a stern, somewhat ticked off female voice sounded as a middle-ages lady peered irritatedly over at me.
Wrong class! It looked like they were in the middle of some kind of science experiment. I shook my head and avoided looking into their eyes, managing to stutter out, "U-Um, no, ma'am! You see, I-I was looking for another classroom and if you could tell me where—"
"We are in the middle of something, young lady. If you don't need anything, I would appreciate if you didn't interrupt us as that is very rude." The female teacher proceeded to close the door and I could only step back as the door slammed, hearing snickers from students inside the class.
Interrupt? Rude? And I'm the one at fault here? I thought to myself as I stomped away, downcast. Seeing no staff around in the halls, I turned my brisk walk into a run.
Already 9 minutes late! How did this hap—
"Ow!"
I suddenly felt an impact. I had ran into something, or someone. Specifically, a soft surface. I stumbled back and regained my composure quickly, looking up to see if the other person was alright and lent them a hand, blurting out apologies.
"I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going and I—"
But those words got caught in my throat and were quickly forgotten.
"Miku…?"
I was met with two beautiful aqua blue eyes under pink bangs, looking as surprised as I was. I felt my own eyes widen as I realized.
"Y-You!"
A/N: Sorry for a bit of a slow start, everyone! ^_^ I needed the story to progress at the right pace. Thank you to the people who've reviewed every chapter so far, thank you to the new fans, and thank you to the silent readers as well! :)
Ae123monkey: Won't be a good story without some suspense, right? *u*
Unknown (guest): In the end, I think everyone makes mistakes, Miku included. But I'm not gonna say too much! :-) And haha, I wanted Meiko to have a bit of a wilder side but settled on portraying her like this. I personally think it fits her. Thanks for the long review as always! :)
REBELS AGAINST GOD: So it does! Thank you for reviewing. :D
Negitoro Fivever (guest): When does a group of teenagers' plan ever end well, amirite? cx
Rin Owens: I'm very glad you do! :) And not for a while, but you'll see!